WikiLeaks reveals US Thatcher memo

US diplomats believed Margaret Thatcher to be "crisp and a trifle patronising", according to a 1975 briefing released on whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks.

The correspondence, coincidentally published hours before the former prime minister's death was announced, contained background information ahead of her planned meeting with US officials shortly after she became leader of the Conservative party.

It described her as "Britain's newest political star" and noted that "Margaret Thatcher has blazed into national prominence almost literally from out of nowhere".

The memo, headed Margaret Thatcher - Some first impressions, added: "When she first indicated that she intended to stand against Ted Heath for leadership of the Conservative party, few took her challenge seriously and fewer still believed it would succeed."

Predicting that she will be a "strong leader", the confidential briefing explained: "There is general agreement among friends and critics alike that she is an effective and forceful parliamentary performer.

"She has a quick, if not profound, mind, and works hard to master the most complicated brief. She fights her corner with skill and toughness, but can be flexible when pressed.

"In dealing with the media or with subordinates, she tends to be crisp and a trifle patronising. With colleagues, she is honest and straight-forward, if not excessively considerate of their vanities.

"Civil servants at the Ministry of Education found her autocratic. She has the courage of her convictions, and once she has reached a decision to act, is unlikely to be deflected by any but the most persuasive arguments. Self-confident and self-disciplined, she gives every promise of being a strong leader."

The memo, dated February 16, 1975, predicted she may not be popular with the working classes.

"Her immaculate grooming, her imperious manner, her conventional and somewhat forced charm, and above all her plummy voice stamp her as the quintessential suburban matron, and frightfully English to boot," it said..

"None of this goes down well with the working class of England (one-third of which used to vote Conservative), to say nothing of all classes in the Celtic fringes of this island."

It advises she should "humanise her public image and broaden the base of her party's appeal".